All Blacks Bledisloe Cup 2026

The story so far

Former All Blacks captain Scott Barrett returned to rugby for Taranaki in the NPC after 310 days out injured, playing 52 minutes in a 50-14 win over Hawke's Bay.^{23, 27 Sep} Coach Dave Rennie then named a 34-man All Blacks squad for the October Bledisloe Cup tests, recalling Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell, while Ruben Love and Patrick Tuipulotu were ruled out injured.^{29 Sep} The All Blacks went into the first test after a three-test losing streak, with former captain Tana Umaga brought in to help with defence.^{4 Oct} Damian McKenzie started at first five-eighth after injuries to Richie Mo'unga and Ruben Love, and Beauden Barrett started at fullback.^{5 Oct} The All Blacks won the first test 50-19 at Eden Park, then the second 43-21 in Sydney, completing a 2-0 series sweep.^{9, 16, 17 Oct}

Latest

Injuries have continued to mount, with Tyrel Lomax, Samisoni Taukei'aho and Shannon Frizell ruled out of the northern tour, taking the injury list to nine players.^{24 Oct} Dave Rennie named a 36-player squad for the Nations Championship, including Leicester Fainga'anuku and the recalled Christian Lio-Willie.^{26 Oct}

What's next

The All Blacks head on the end-of-year Nations Championship northern tour.^{19, 26 Oct}

Key moments

1. 27 SepScott Barrett returns for Taranaki after 310 days out injured.
2. 29 SepRennie names 34-man squad, recalling Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell.
3. 4 OctRuben Love to miss rest of 2026 after ankle surgery.
4. 9 OctAll Blacks beat Wallabies 50-19 at Eden Park to retain the Bledisloe Cup.
5. 17 OctAll Blacks complete 2-0 Bledisloe sweep as injury worries grow.
6. 24 OctLomax, Taukei'aho and Frizell ruled out of northern tour.
7. 26 OctRennie names 36-man squad for Nations Championship northern tour.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.